Animal Welfare

Standard Operating Procedures - pigs
Branding

Ref Code: PIG03

Objective

To identify pigs with a tattoo brand.

Alternatives to animal use for teaching

Video and abattoir material.

Details of procedure

Pigs must be more than 25kg liveweight for body tattoo application.

Brands must be kept clean and sharp, to discourage the excessive force which may be needed if not kept in good repair.

Pigs may be restrained in a walkway or weigh scale to improve the accuracy of the brand. Most brands are applied to the shoulder with a slapping action and not the backline; therefore, it is necessary to have free and easy access. Confining pigs to crates or scales may restrict this access.

The brand should be dipped into an appropriate branding ink between each animal. Care should be taken to reduce the need for repeated striking of individual pigs.

Drugs, chemicals or biological agents

Tattoo ink

Impact of procedure on wellbeing of animal(s)

Short-term discomfort associated with the application of the brand.

Reuse and repeated use

Animals should only be struck with the brand twice, preferably once.

Care of animal(s) during/after procedure

Observe animals for signs of distress.

Pain relief measures

Nil

Qualifications, experience skills or training necessary to perform this procedure

Demonstrators

Should be competent in use of equipment and handling pigs.

Students

Familiarity with use of equipment.